Ferroptosis is a new type of cell death that was discovered in recent years and usually accompanied by a large amount of iron accumulation and lipid peroxidation during the cell death process. Ferroptosis plays a key role in brain injury. Ferroptosis inhibitors can effectively improve iron homeostasis, lipid metabolism, redox stabilization, neuronal remodeling, and functional recovery after trauma. In this review, we summarized the latest molecular mechanisms of ferroptosis and current research on ferroptosis, especially its role in the progression of cerebral ischemia, cerebral hemorrhage, traumatic brain injury and other acute brain injury. These findings will provide evidence for further understanding the pathogenesis of brain injury and searching new targets for the treatment of brain injury.